James Connelly

1889 – 1/6/1921

From  ‘The Transcontinental’  24/6/21

“Excessive rains have fallen during the past month making the track impassable, the motor mail having been held up for three weeks. Severe colds are prevalent through the Field, several of the miners have been seriously ill. I regret to report the first death and burial here. James Connelly, who caught a severe chill, died on 1^st June of what was believed to be pneumonia. There being no medical aid available the miners and ladies did all they possibly could for him, to no avail. Deceased, who was highly respected, was about 32 years of age and a typical bushman. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Koska, who constructed the coffin out of any available timber on the Field, and three wreaths of bush foliage from his mates were placed on the grave. Well over 100 persons attended, although it rained hard throughout the day. On the following Sunday the Progress Committee called a general meeting of the miners to form a Hospital Committee in order to make arrangements for any further sickness or death.”